Around 80 jobs losses are expected at Bernard Matthews’ Lincs Turkey plant in Grainthorpe, Lincolnshire, after the firm put forward proposals to close the site.

The business confirmed it had begun a consultation period with staff at the processing plant. A spokesperson for Bernard Matthews said: “The consultation is expected to result in a reduction of approximately 80 employees out of a workforce of 2130.

“The decision to make this proposal was not taken lightly, but due to a significant reduction in Christmas orders for Lincs Turkeys in 2014 the site will no longer be economically viable, and processing requirements will be integrated into the Norfolk and Suffolk sites and the factory in Grainthorpe will be closed.”

The business said it remained committed to its Linc Turkey business and its farming operation would remain unchanged.

“The company is currently entering into consultation with affected staff, which we understand may cause a degree of uncertainty for these individuals, but staff will be offered the opportunity to relocate to one of its other sites and they will be kept regularly updated throughout the process,” added the spokesperson.

Last month Bernard Matthews announced the appointment of Rob Burnett as its new chief executive. He will join the business at the end of June.